Ducted A2W HP System for 5,000 SF Colonial Maryland house?
Seeking advice on general approach for an efficient heat system (s) on a classic three story colonial house in a Queenstown, Maryland.
House is 5,000 SF. Currently has an old oil boiler with baseboard and no cooling, and has many rooms. It will be split down the middle into a primary living space and a rental; each with its own electric service. It will be insulated etc. to extent possible.
I live in the west, specializing in net zero homes/A2W heat pumps and radiant heat but this new house of my nephew’s is out of my league.
Need general suggestions on (two separate) systems that would provide efficient heating/cooling (and possibly water heating as well). I tend to break this down into two parts: 1) the heat source (e.g. air-to-water heat pump) with air handler (?) and 2) distribution system (standard ducting? or 2″ flexible duct/high velocity system?). Funds are not unlimited on this project but they do want to improve efficiency etc. I have the feeling the standard contractor in the local area there will not suggest the most efficient system so any general advice is appreciated.
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Air-to-air with maybe a ducted unit per floor might make ducting easier. Dehumidification is crucial on the Eastern Shore. You'll probably find hundreds of air-to-air contractors for every 1 with air-to-water experience.